1. Where you find the law(aka legislation, aka, statute aka Act) that specifies how long certain information can be listed on a credit bureau?
2. You certainly won’t find this information in the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 itself i.e. anywhere in this act itself ;
3. You will however find this information in the National Credit Regulations 2006, Chapter 3, sections 17(1) – (4)
4. Retention periods(How long will a credit bureau keep information listed on their systems?)
Categories of Consumer
Credit Information
DescriptionPeriod for which
Information must be retained from date of commencement of the event1. Details and results of disputes
lodged by consumersNumber and nature of complaints
lodged and whether complaint was rejected.
No information pertaining to complaints upheld maybe displayed.18 months 2. Inquiries Number of inquiries made on a
consumer’s record, including the name of the entity / person who made the inquiry and a contact person if available2 years 3. Payment Profile Factual information pertaining to the
payment profile of the consumer5 years 4. Adverse information Qualitative information on consumer
behaviour1 year 5. Debt Restructuring As per section 86 of the Act, an order
given by the Court or TribunalUntil a clearance
certificate is issued6. Civil court judgments Civil court judgments including default
judgmentThe earlier of 5 years
or until the judgment is rescinded by a court or
abandoned by the
credit provider in terms of section 86 of the Magistrates’ Court Act,
32 of 1944.7. Administrations Orders As per the court order The earlier of 10 years
or until order is rescinded by a court8. Sequestrations As per the court order The earlier of 10 years
or until rehabilitation order is granted9. Liquidations As per the court order Unlimited period 10. Rehabilitation Orders As per the court order 5 years
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